Mississippi Valley State University scored a late goal in the closing minutes to eliminate Prairie View A&M University in the first round of the 2005 Southwestern Athletic Conference soccer championship at Robinson Stadium on Thursday, Nov. 3.The Lady Panthers got off to an inauspicious beginning, as Brooke Falke scored the first point for Mississippi Valley on a breakaway three-on-two goal. The Devilettes kept PVAMU senior goalie Amy Miller occupied, sending an assortment of shots in her direction.
Miller’s defensive prowess proved to be beneficial. After an offside penalty against Mississippi Valley, Lady Panther senior forward Catherine Burnley scored with an assist from freshman midfielder Mayro Castillo.
The rest of the half saw both Miller and Devilette goalie Maria Del Guercio tested defensively, yet neither would succumb en route to a 1-1 halftime score.
In the first half, Mississippi Valley attempted 14 shots, while the Lady Panthers managed eight. Miller recorded eight saves.
In the second half, MVSU got off to a penalty ravaged start, amassing two consecutive offside penalties in the opening two minutes. Miller continued to accumulate saves, as the Devilettes kept the pressure on. MVSU attempted three corner kicks, and three consecutive shots before they struck on a goal by Sonia Curvelo, going up 2-1 with just under 31 minutes left.
In need of firepower, Lady Panther head coach Felicia Davis substituted in Burnley, and it worked in favor for PVAMU. Burnley quickly validated Davis’ decision, tying the game on a goal that was assisted by sophomore midfielder Kallena Marshall.
For the next 20 minutes, the game went back-and-forth as both squads sought to take an advantage. Then, with just under six minutes remaining in the game, MVSU’s Sheena Cussen scored an unassisted goal on what would prove to be the game winning point, giving the Devilettes a 3-2 opening round victory.
For the game, the Lady Panthers were outshot 29-13. Lady Panther senior goalie Miller performed admirably.